Thanks for sharing this, Ed. I can relate to everything you said here. I particularly like your second point (go brainstorm a game for fun). My iteration on that--one of my favorite things to do when a campaign ends--is to turn my computer all the way off and brainstorm a game for fun few a few hours. That act of turning the computer off after being fixated on it for 20+ days is super helpful for me, especially when paired with the fun act of brainstorming.
Interestingly enough - I can't say I experienced this at the end of my campaign. It could be because I'm a pretty big introvert - so less social spotlight was a big relief for me. But also, I suddenly had this community of backers to manage. People still had questions and concerns that needed to be addressed. In some ways, I'm still looking forward to that crash.
This some super helpful and encouraging advice, Edo. I've even experienced these kinds of lulls when hitting design walls before, and I really appreciate you sharing your strategies for managing mental downswings. :)
Hey Edo! Awesome video, thank you so much, you hit the spot man, and makes me feel "Normal" now lol if that makes sense. Just finished my Neon Knights Kickstarter and man, it's insane (after). Keep up the great work, can't wait to play more of your games :) ... Off to a Con!
I have to say, it was so weird when my project ended. It was crazy, intense, nail-biting, and then... nothing. Literally, that was it. It was like someone froze over my project. It was interesting to watch the backers too. All the backers who were super-engaged trying to drive things right up to the last minute had a definite feel of being "whammied" by the suddenness of it ending. I have to say, it's unlike anything else. Normally when you win a competitive game or successfully launch a major new project at work, there's a cool down period that follows. A celebration that lets you work out that high and brings you back down to earth. With Kickstarter it's like the world just stops., You go from living-breathing to museum-piece in an instant. I really wonder if this is a place where Kickstarter could innovate a bit. Rather than simply ending like it does, are there some fun things that can be done to "party" afterwards? Maybe encourage a live stream party for the final countdown? Provide pre-programmed wind-down events like a timeline slideshow? Just something to take the edge off of it. For both creators and engaged backers. (I have a sneaky suspicion that the end-campaign crash is part of the reason why halo effects are so strong on Kickstarter.) Either way, thanks for taking the time to call out this issue! Having only done one project so far (Stellar Armada) I never would have thought about how big of a problem this really is.
Thanks for sharing this, Ed. I can relate to everything you said here. I particularly like your second point (go brainstorm a game for fun). My iteration on that--one of my favorite things to do when a campaign ends--is to turn my computer all the way off and brainstorm a game for fun few a few hours. That act of turning the computer off after being fixated on it for 20+ days is super helpful for me, especially when paired with the fun act of brainstorming.
I love the idea of digital "off" time. Some of my best ideas have come from being away from the net.
I was already anticipating this effect ...and now I feel that I can plan well for it. Thanks! -D.D O'Brien
Glad to help.
Interestingly enough - I can't say I experienced this at the end of my campaign. It could be because I'm a pretty big introvert - so less social spotlight was a big relief for me. But also, I suddenly had this community of backers to manage. People still had questions and concerns that needed to be addressed. In some ways, I'm still looking forward to that crash.
Interesting feedback. Thanks for sharing!
Maybe you'll fee it when the Game actually hit the backers lol, he did mention that it might hit you later, who knows.
Awesome video Ed!
I've never done a kickstarter, but I feel like this in life. When there's no pressure, I have no motivation.
Totally.
This is the kind of insight I watch these for!
Awesome!
This some super helpful and encouraging advice, Edo. I've even experienced these kinds of lulls when hitting design walls before, and I really appreciate you sharing your strategies for managing mental downswings. :)
Glad it helped!
Hey Edo! Awesome video, thank you so much, you hit the spot man, and makes me feel "Normal" now lol if that makes sense. Just finished my Neon Knights Kickstarter and man, it's insane (after). Keep up the great work, can't wait to play more of your games :) ... Off to a Con!
Congrats again!
I have to say, it was so weird when my project ended. It was crazy, intense, nail-biting, and then... nothing. Literally, that was it. It was like someone froze over my project. It was interesting to watch the backers too. All the backers who were super-engaged trying to drive things right up to the last minute had a definite feel of being "whammied" by the suddenness of it ending.
I have to say, it's unlike anything else. Normally when you win a competitive game or successfully launch a major new project at work, there's a cool down period that follows. A celebration that lets you work out that high and brings you back down to earth. With Kickstarter it's like the world just stops., You go from living-breathing to museum-piece in an instant.
I really wonder if this is a place where Kickstarter could innovate a bit. Rather than simply ending like it does, are there some fun things that can be done to "party" afterwards? Maybe encourage a live stream party for the final countdown? Provide pre-programmed wind-down events like a timeline slideshow? Just something to take the edge off of it. For both creators and engaged backers.
(I have a sneaky suspicion that the end-campaign crash is part of the reason why halo effects are so strong on Kickstarter.)
Either way, thanks for taking the time to call out this issue! Having only done one project so far (Stellar Armada) I never would have thought about how big of a problem this really is.
thewiirocks thanks so much for sharing your personal experience. I hope more creators take a moment to share theirs too.